Sunshine Law - Open Government
Sunshine Law FAQ
Public Records
The Florida Supreme Court has determined that public records are all materials made or received by an agency in connection with official business which are used to perpetuate, communicate or formalize knowledge. They are not limited to traditional written documents. Tapes, photographs, films and sound recordings are also considered public records subject to inspection unless a statutory exemption exists.
How to Request Public Records
If you would like to request a public record from the Vero Beach Police Department, please see below for the options you have available.
Provide as much detail as you can to help us collect the information that you are requesting in a timely manner. Specifically detail "Who, What, When, Where" in your request to help us identify what you are looking for.
Provide as much detail as you can to help us collect the information that you are requesting in a timely manner. Specifically detail "Who, What, When, Where" in your request to help us identify what you are looking for.
City of Vero Beach, Custodian of Records
Tammy Bursick, City Clerk
In Person:1053 20th Place
Vero Beach, FL 32960 |
By Mail:P. O. Box 1389
Vero Beach, FL 32961-1389 |
FAQS
Can I request public documents over the telephone and do I have to tell why I want them?
Nothing in the public records law requires that a request for public records be in writing or in person, although individuals may wish to make their request in writing to ensure they have an accurate record of what they requested. Unless otherwise exempted, a custodian of public records must honor a request for records, whether it is made in person, over the telephone, or in writing, provided the required fees are paid. In addition, nothing in the law requires the requestor to disclose the reason for the request.
How much can an agency charge for public documents?
The law provides that the custodian shall furnish a copy of public records upon payment of the fee prescribed by law. If no fee is prescribed, an agency is normally allowed to charge up to 15 cents per one-sided copy for copies that are 14" x 8 1/2" or less. A charge of up to $1 per copy may be assessed for a certified copy of a public record. If the nature and volume of the records to be copied requires extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance, or both, the agency may charge a reasonable service charge based on the actual cost incurred.
Does an agency have to explain why it denies access to public records?
A custodian of a public record who contends that the record or part of a record is exempt from inspection must state the basis for that exemption, including the statutory citation. Additionally, when asked, the custodian must state in writing the reasons for concluding the record is exempt.
Are public employee personnel records considered public records?
The rule on personnel records is the same as for other public documents ... unless the Legislature has specifically exempted an agency's personnel records or authorized the agency to adopt rules limiting public access to the records, personnel records are open to public inspection. There are, however, numerous statutory exemptions that apply to personnel records.
Are arrest records public documents?
Arrest reports prepared by a law enforcement agency after the arrest of a subject are generally considered to be open for public inspection. At the same time, however, certain information such as the identity of a sexual battery victim is exempt.
Is an agency required to give out information from public records or produce public records in a particular form as requested by an individual?
The Sunshine Law provides for a right of access to inspect and copy existing public records. It does not mandate that the custodian give out information from the records nor does it mandate that an agency create new records to accommodate a request for information.
City of Vero Beach Public Records Policy
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